2003 Saturn Ion recalls and problems
The 2003 Saturn Ion has 5 safety recalls and 758 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Saturn Ion vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Saturn Ion recalls
Recall 14V-171: Electrical System
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Recall 14V-047: Air Bags, Electrical System
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMÂs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Recall 04V-547: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles have a condition in which the turn signal lamp and daytime running lamp (Drl) on either front side can stop working because of loss of contact between the bulb and socket.
Risk: If a front turn signal lamp is inoperative, others may react more slowly to a turning vehicle and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the drl/turn signal bulb on both the left and right front side and inspect for and add a drl jumper kit if not present. The recall began november 17, 2004. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall 04V-003: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder (L61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
Risk: If corrosion on the exterior surface of the fuel filter progresses to the point of creating a hole in the shell, fuel droplets could form and drop to the ground. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall 04V-004: Visibility
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, "power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." the power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front passenger door is opened.
Risk: If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Dealers will upgrade the body control module (Bcm) calibration. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
2003 Saturn Ion problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 396 | |
| Steering | 140 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 59 | |
| Power Train | 57 | |
| Air Bags | 49 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 38 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 36 | |
| Visibility | 33 | |
| Engine | 21 | |
| Structure | 19 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | |
| Unknown or Other | 17 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 68
- Electrical System › Ignition — 54
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 31
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 19
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 14
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 13
- Electrical System › Horn — 11
- Air Bags › Frontal — 7
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Saturn Ion complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Saturn Ion years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Saturn Ion have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Saturn Ion: 14V-171 (electrical system), 14V-047 (air bags, electrical system), 04V-547 (exterior lighting), 04V-003 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-004 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Saturn Ion?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (396 reports), followed by steering (140). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 miles.
Are Saturn recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.